Rock me on the water, maybe I’ll remember how.
— Jackson Browne
Venus and Mars are rocking on the water this week. You have probably felt it somehow. Perhaps you have been rocked awake, or into soothing sleep. Could be you have been rocked by loss. Hopefully, before week’s end you will choose to join Venus and Mars by rocking as all of us do on occasion — to life.
For if you are reading these words, your are among the living. You owe it to yourself to show some life, especially now when so much is at stake.
You need not dance, or sing, or be young, or a lover. You need only to allow yourself to feel and emote something of your life, preferably in community.
Without fear, and preferably with joy, the emotion of feelings helps make a difference between merely existing and living.
Feelings correlate with water for astrologers. Right now, abiding Venus and energetic Mars are rocking astrology’s water for all it’s worth as if to show you how it’s done.
Venus, the original surfer (and still the best) has been following Jupiter and Mercury by carving smoothly through the cardinal waters of Cancer. If you offered (or were provided) a saving grace last Monday, it was probably either you or somebody else manifesting Venus hanging loose while opposing gnarly Pluto in Capricorn.
Draw upon what saved the day on Monday to stay trim later tonight or early tomorrow as Venus rocks a sketchy square with Uranus in Aries. In order to rock the aspect yourself, focus on how and where you want to come out of whatever dicey situation comes up for you, then do only what it takes to get there most easily and with the least drama.
Almost as soon as Venus emerges from rounding off the Uranus-Pluto square, it flows into a grand water trine with Saturn in Scorpio and Chiron in Pisces tomorrow, just as Mars moves to rock Jupiter.
The water trine connecting Venus, Saturn and Chiron is shaping up so as to rock your world in the best possible way. Unfortunately, Venus is moving nearly as fast as it ever does right now, so you will need to be on your toes to rock the aspect.
Be ready to commit random acts of kindness and senseless beauty on a moment’s notice, but naturally and organically. Remember, it’s an art more than it’s an action. Don’t force kindness or beauty on anybody. Leave the action to Mars.
You know Mars. It’s likely you and the red planet got really well acquainted during the eight months or so Mars was rocking and rolling back and forth through Libra and your relationships. If you are one of the few who did not break out into rash relations sometime before Mars came home to Scorpio last Saturday, count yourself among those who rock most gently of all.
Now in the fixed Scorpio waters it rules, Mars still has the potential to make a mess, so if you want to make the most of its square to Jupiter in Leo tomorrow, remember the aspect has already been functional for most of this week.
That’s because of the Martian predilection to energize aspects days in advance. Nevertheless, tomorrow is the peak of Mars’s square to Jupiter, so a save is still possible if you look at whether this week has been either rocking or rocky so far.
If things have been a bit rocky, remember Mars is in water now, and this is a square aspect to Jupiter. That means any tension you are feeling almost certainly has more to do with what’s inside you than with anybody else. So lighten up with others. Whatever you are sweating is not their doing. It’s about what you must do.
Watch it with the boundaries, too. Yes, boundaries are healthy. Nevertheless, if you have spent this week slapping boundaries up like cheap wallboard, it means your inner Mars has been fighting your inner Jupiter, and that is no way to deal with a square.
Rather, break out of your own boundaries. Force yourself to do something you have been putting off, avoiding, or intimidated by and notice how that feels.
Push yourself, not others, and you will have rocked the Mars-Jupiter square from the deepest water of your being in the nick time to emote your feelings, so that they are as enthusiastically received as expressed. Combine that responsive approach to Mars with a sensitive and timely approach to Venus, and you truly will be a rock star in your own right.
Offered In Service
Len is available for astrology readings. You can contact him at lenwallick [at] gmail [dot] com.
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Beautiful perspective Len; thank you.
My body-worker of 17 years shared with me yesterday that she just bought a house 3 hours from The Bay Area, which will bring our collaboration of healing my body to an end. I am so HAPPY for her, and too, grieving the loss for my body-mind-spirit.
Yes the world is rocking and rolling… “surf’s up” is bringing a whole new kind of wave. I am ready for a “new kind” of the ride.
Divorce was final last Monday. It’s been a rockin’ week !
Very clever and funny Len. And sober too.
Thank you
hahaha . . that’s a GOOD one Bette Loreen, “there must be several pairs out there”. . . love that! Hang in there dearheart (I’ve got a 1st house Saturn too and know what you mean), there really WILL be an end to it some day and we’ll all look back and share a laugh. (Your weeds, my laundry!)
be
Oh, Holly. My heart goes out to you at the loss of Muffy. I am so sorry.
mm.
be, “rock and a hard place” feels familiar to me right now, too. Len mentioned possible losses, & yes, I’m dealing with the great & gradual grief of losing my dear friend – something will be available to be grown/learned from that, I have no doubt, but that hope is not yet top of mind.
It’s been a tough summer of plans stymied, garden struggling (due to poor weather & distracted gardener) (who is downright embarrassed by the weeds!) – feels like the other shoe has dropped sufficiently often that there must be several pairs out there, so the possibility of another one….well, I’m working on giving up worrying. But. First house Saturn rx does tend to worry.
Saturn’s heading for my 5th house Venus, which I’m hoping may ease my present sense of creative stuck-ness & help me find the discipline to paint again. The grand water trine will be very welcome! As for Jupiter in Leo, well, it’s crossing my 2nd hse. stationary Mars as I write this, & will square my Scorpio moon as it proceeds & conjuncts my rx Pluto. There’s gotta be some energy in that!
Len, I guess I have been pushing some of my familiar boundaries, choosing to share more of my thoughts with carefully chosen others, & so far, this seems to be working well & helping me feel a bit less alone & isolated. Thank-you for the guidance & insights, & the little prods to change some things that need changing – even if it’s just “this much” right now.
Bette
ntmsound: Oops! Apologies! Please do not be offended that i missed acknowledging how grateful i am to you in equal measure. Welcome to Planet Waves!
be: Good point about the contrasting fixed attributes, and thank you for making it. As usual, your “nose” for what’s up behind the astrology has sensed something important which explains a lot. What would we do without you? Thank you so much!
Well, sure Len, nothing against fixed signs. . .. some of my best friends have fixed suns, why even my own moon is fixed. 🙂 It was just the timing, you know? We need “loose and flexible” right now what with everything up in the air. However, I confess I am not privy to the Universe’s plan for humanity, only the little clues it leaves us in the planets placements. Teasers you might call ’em. Sorry fixed signs! But you know how you are; dig in and don’t give an inch! Great when the going gets tough and dependability is vital . . . not such a good time for fluid mutables or those cardinals who never finish what they start. Yeah, it’s all about the timing.
Holly, so sorry about Muffy’s illness. Sometimes we have to be brave and put our little darlings out of their suffering when there is no chance of recovery. She will be your newest angel and watch over you; trust me on that one.
AfrogermAn, what a great story; thanks for sharing. As for the astrological connotations, I bet it was Sagittarius’ ruler, Jupiter moving into lovin’ Leo, along with the Sun that pumped up all your Cancer and Scorpio sensitivity into acting out. And I agree, astrology saves lives.
be
kate: Thank you for being so kind as well, both in your empathy with Holly and in your concern for me.
aword: Your generous contribution he is likewise (and as always) gratefully received. To quote Jackson Browne further down into the song:”…the Sisters of the Sun are going to rock me on the water now.”
be: Wow. That bit about Fomalhaut really does rock! Thank you! i love how you find the mutable energy in the fixed alignments, although one must fairly note how there is more to fixed qualities than simply intransigence (halfway between seasons being something more than a closed position). And yes, it is extraordinary timing for the Venus, Saturn, Chiron water trine coming together just when the Mars-Jupiter square is exact.
starrynight: We support your aspirations to deadlines, and it is gratifying that you found some help in this piece. Nevertheless, please check in with your always appreciated comments as time allows.
Lizzy: You are very welcome.
AfrogermAn: Thank you so very much for your heartfelt (and heart-full) contribution, and welcome to Planet Waves! You may not think of yourself as an expert on “astrological connotations”, but your correlations appear to be both evocative and inspirational from this perch. Please feel free to share more of your insights with the rest of us here at Planet Waves.
Jere: Thank you, great poet. Please do what it takes to abide with peace and comfort your soul. Nevertheless, please do continue engaging here so as to help the rest of us stay on our individual and collective rails (something you do very well).
Holly: My heart goes out to you as surely as that of Lizzy and (i’m sure) others reading here May you know healing in proportion to what trials you are being called upon to endure.
Corely P.: Thank you for following up on that instinct, and welcome! It is immensely gratifying to know your instinct was rewarded by the service offered here. May it be so for you always.
Laura: It is for me to thank you for being so thoughtful as to comment and so kind with your words.
Holly, lots of Love and Hugs.
Ode to Jackson Browne’s rockin’, here’s a gentle Venus “roll” on the water from one of my lifelong favorites, Bonnie Koloc (member of the Chicago folk revival with John Prine and Steve Goodman)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPrufLuWVEI
Thanks for reminding me about the gentler side of “rock” and “roll”, Len. Rocks may break the flow, but water eventually smoothes the rock.
Thanks Len. It’s certainly been a strange time. Hope all ok with you.
@Holly: so sorry about your dog. I know how I feel about my best friend with 4 legs. It is v hard when they have to go.
Ahhh, this makes me feel a lot better. 🙂 Thanks, Len. Awesome advice and beautiful perspective.
Len, thank you. You’re always spot on and what you have written today hits at the core of my experience over the past week. Inspiring my soul to move from an observer to an active participant and I’m grateful.
Absolutely spot on. I took a walk over my lunch break and was astounded at the strange, tender, nostalgic, “Ah life, so brief! So unpredictable!” feelings I was grappling with, and wasn’t sure exactly why. I had an instinct to check the PlanetWaves blog when I got back home, and I’m glad I did. Thank you for your wonderful insights!
Ah Holly, I’m so sorry. (((( ))))
“Rocked by loss”, just happened today. Today I found out that our 1 year old dog was be put to sleep. Her name is Muffy. She is a tiny, black poof ball of energy.(Scorpio dog). She was sick the past couple of days but I assumed she will bounce back. No, she is not. I could use that water trine right now. This will be a week where healing is needed.
Len, your timing is impeccable. I’ve felt myself derailing for a while now. This past week has intensified my less-than-sane nature. I’m gonna have to take a break for a bit, so as to not toss box cars throughout the city.
Thank you (and everyone throughout the community) for your wisdom and compassion.
Peace and Love,
Jere
I picked up a homeless boy today, he says he is 13 and he could be right. He is sleeping tight, tummy full and no longer overwhelmed with emotions. When I picked him up he was in rags. I stopped at a dept store, went in while he waited outside at the takeaway. We have car guards here in South Africa, on all big parking lots they wave you in and out, carry your bags and such. they get the eq of $ 0.20 , sometimes 0.50 for what they so. most come from the republic of congo or zimbabwe. when I came back out of the dept store, I looked around to find the boy and saw him in clean clothes, had to look twice. the car guards who knew him from the shelter where they stay – and where he sometimes stays if he can beg enough money to pay. they had taken him to the room where their lockers are and given him a set of new clothes to wear plus a bag with more. they told me how happy they are that he has a change to find a decent place to stay, because ‘he is a good one’ and ‘he will come right’. The astrological connotations I leave to the experts, all I know is that my sagittarian sun together with my cancer midheaven and my scorpio mars wanted me to do exactly what I did and it has not happened for a long time that I was so dead sure. all that libra ascendant crap went down the gully in the last days and I am so glad it did. if I had not been counting the days until mars leaves and jupiter changed signs, I would have seriously freaked. astrology is a life saver.
“Push yourself, not others”. Yes. Wonderful. Thank you for another fantastic piece, dear Len full of gold nuggets to contemplate and store away.
So I just eliminated a drain on my focus and energy by anothe person who I’ve been mentoring the past three months because it interferes with writing my book and a deadline for the end of August. I definitely need to push myself and part of that is eliminating distractions. I also feel a need to get off social media the next month. These are ways I distract myself. Feeling a lot of pressure to focus and produce the first draft by Sept 1 when due.
More like between a rock and a hard place for me Len. Pretty sure I haven’t taken my angst out on anyone else though. You make a good point however, and I should stop looking so far ahead and instead, be in the Now.
What I was focusing on is how the first half of this month is mostly about fixed sign energy (Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius) which, to me, translated as looking like a lot of intransigent energy. There seemed to be little or no promise of compromise, change or new initiatives on the horizon, but. . . .
a) even though they will be conjunct in fixed Leo, Jupiter and Mercury rule mutable signs Sagittarius and Gemini, and Jupiter and Mercury ARE negotiators!
b) Neptune is in the sign he rules, Pisces, which is also a mutable sign, and Chiron is there too. Chiron is associated with Virgo, the 4th mutable sign and,
c) Chiron trines Saturn in Scorpio now and will trine Mars soon. That should provide some wiggle room for change or compromise wouldn’t you say?
Besides, Neptune will also be trine Mars, Vesta and Ceres during August, so those initiatives started when they were together in Libra should get a little polishing up by Neptune, their rough edges smoothed, and then, with a little makeup nobody will notice those bruises! Yeah, that’ll work.
By the time the New Moon on August 25 gets here – after a bit of negotiating here and there, a little give and take (thanks to the influence of the rulers of the flexible mutables) – who knows what things will look like. I shouldn’t worry so much.
Actually that chart for New Moon in Virgo (August 25) holds a lot of promise. I learned from Stephanie Austin (Mt. Astrologer magazine, August/September) who reports on the lunations each month, that the New Moon at 2+ Virgo will be opposite the fixed star Fomalhaut at 3+ Pisces and (due to precession) “is now moving toward Aquarius and is associated with the shift of the ages.” Hmm.. .. .. ..
She goes on to say that Fomalhaut is in the “southern fish” (Pisces) and is linked with a god who, as the story goes, “came to Earth to teach humans how to become civilized” and “is thought to facilitate moving from material to spiritual forms of expression.” Now that is cool.
As for Mars rocking the boat tomorrow with Jupiter (and Mercury, exact on Saturday), the timing of the grand water trine along side it is suspiciously convenient, don’t you think? Like, maybe Mars is the kick in the pants we need (or I need anyway) to get creative. Something leaning toward a more spiritual expression; for Fomalhaut’s sake.
be